Ludomania, also known as problem gambling or compulsive gambling, is an urge to continuously gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. It has been referred to as an impulse control disorder even though it has some features of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Ludomania is a progressive addiction characterized by repeated episodes of compulsive gambling which consumes a person’s life at the expense of family, friends, job, wealth and commitments. These compulsive gamblers will continue to gamble whether they are winning, losing, happy or depressed and affects 2 to 4 percent of the population.

This maladaptive behavior is characterized by a preoccupation with gambling, getting money to gamble with or planning strategies for the next big adventure. Unfortunately, this type of gambling is similar to drug addiction in that it takes increased amounts of money to achieve the same “high” or ”rush.”

There is a loss of control even when trying to cut down or stop. These people will even experience symptoms of withdrawal and get very restless and irritable when trying to quit or unable to participate for some reason.

Gambling can become a means of escape from everyday problems or other mental disorders. After losing money and getting deeper in debt, the frustrated and desperate gambler sometimes resorts to an illegal activity to get the funds to get back in the game again.

In the deeper stages of this addiction family members are lied to about what they are doing and they borrow money from anyone they can to meet the financial deficit caused by the losses. Left untreated, these people at times end up losing their jobs, family, homes, friends and sometimes even resort to suicide to escape their problem.

A diagnosis of this gambling disorder can be achieved through a psychiatric evaluation and screening tools such as the Gamblers Anonymous 20 questions or the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS). Unfortunately, these people deny they have a problem, don’t seek treatment and needs someone to pressure them into treatment.

Just as in drug or alcohol dependence, the treatment for this gambling problem begins with admitting you have a problem. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one tool mental health professionals use to help fight this disorder. Self-help support groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, a 12-step program similar to Alcoholics Anonymous which helps in the treatment.

This is a long-term disorder that tends to get worse without treatment. Even with treatment, it is common to have a relapse and start gambling again but with the right treatment and support groups this disorder can be treated.

Part of the difficulty with trying to quit gambling is related to being exposed to it in today’s society which is rich with gambling opportunities. Everywhere you go you find opportunities to gamble such as slot machines at service stations and restaurants, lottery tickets or on line gambling.

If you or someone you know possibly has this problem, encourage them to seek help from a mental health professional.